President Solih congratulates China’s President

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. (Photo/President's Office)

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has congratulated the Chinese President Xi Jinping on securing a third term in office.

Xi was awarded a third five-year term as president by the unanimous votes of nearly 3,000 members of the country’s parliament, National People’s Congress on Friday – making him the second largest world economy’s most dominant leader in generations.

The vote was 2,952 to nil.

The Chinese Embassy in Maldives said President Solih sent a message congratulating Xi on Friday.

“President Solih wishes President Xi every success in honoring the confidence that Chinese people continue to have in his leadership and vision,” said the embassy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping waves at an event to introduce new members of the Politburo Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

In his message, President Solih highlighted on the development of the partnership between Maldives and China, and expressed keenness to working together to deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.

Leaders in China had been limited to two terms in office, until Xi had the restriction changed in 2018, transforming him into a figure with a reach not seen since Chairman Mao.